Home-Going and Thanksgiving service for the life and ministry

of Rev. Wilfred Earold Moss

It was on the 2^nd of May 1932, the sun shone on the Bahamas tranquil shores of True Blue Crooked Island.  Ever brighter in the lives of William and Hetscema Beneby Moss, their 3^rd son and child was born.  They named him Wilfred Earold Moss and was affectionally known as ‘Errol’ or ‘Brother.’  In his early years, he displayed a devotion to God, vision and foresight, and the gift of generosity.  He attended, and graduated with honors from, The All Age School at True Blue.  After working numerous jobs on the island, he set sail to America for a better life for himself and family, which he held in the highest regard. 

Against his father’s advice, Errol arrived in Deerfield, Florida, in the 1950s, on the “contract,” cultivating the land and harvesting fruits and vegetables. It was a very turbulent time in history.  However, that did not deter him from pursuing his goals and ambitions, including becoming an American citizen. He labored diligently and faithfully sent earnings and much needed items home to help support the family.

Later, he returned to the island to marry his bride:  the beautiful and industrious Betty Moss of Caigdell, a settlement of Crooked Island.  She affectionately called him just ‘Moss.’  They wed in 1966 and moved to the quaint village of Albion, New York, where they raised their 9 ­­wonderful children.  As a father, he instilled that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and to spare the rod was to spoil the child.  As a devout husband of 55 years to the late Mother Moss, she would say that Moss was a good provider and father and cared for her deeply.   Excellence, hard work, commitment, and integrity were the hallmark of his existence.

During the 1970s, Rev. Moss was called into the gospel ministry.  With his gregarious smile and enthusiasm, he shared the good news of Christ at local nursing homes, prisons, and churches.  He attended and graduated from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, New York.  The congregations of Ferguson and Blackwell A.M.E. Zion Churches were blessed to have him as pastor, teacher, and beloved friend.  Later, Rev. Moss served on the ministerial staff at Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Rochester, New York.  Throughout his missionary journey, many souls were saved and faith renewed.

Service to the general public was also of great importance to him.   As an entrepreneur and astute businessman, Rev. Moss identified and sought to address many societal needs.  Through the grace of God, in the 1970s, he became a licensed barber and established the first African American barber shop in Albion.  Moss’s Apartments were established for those in need of shelter. Along with his wife, they co-founded Moss’s Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and sold their home grown produce at the Rochester Public Market for over 40 years.  

In conjunction to those endeavors, he held various employment.  As unto the Lord, he worked for the Eastman Kodak Company for 20 years, and served as chaplain for the Orleans County Jail for 25 years. 

His hobbies included singing, farming, reading, spending time with family and friends, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  Even on his bed of affliction, we could hear dad ministering in his dreams.  He was also a devoted Lion’s Club member for over 30 years, whereby he led many meetings in prayer and deemed a “community leader.” 

Loyalty was not limited to the immediate family but to the extended one as well.  Brother never missed an opportunity to assist his siblings and their children, in some instances, contributing to making their dreams a reality.  As the patriarch, Uncle Will made several trips to the Bahamas to ensure representation at significant events in the life of the family at large. 

Despite his quiet battle with failing health, dad made his final voyage to his beloved Bahama Land.  From which, he slipped away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, surrounded by a host of family.   

To encapsulate, Rev. Wilfred E. Moss brought life and joy everywhere he went and could light up a room by his mere presence.  He made a monumental difference to his family and community. His sense of humor and quick wit will be missed.  He touched so many hearts, changed lives, and leaves a prolific legacy.  Now, he lives in eternity with Him forevermore. 

His family will be present at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Friday, January 19^th from 4:00-7:00pm. His homegoing service will be held Saturday, January 20^th at the Memorial A.M.E Zion Church 549 Clarissa St, Rochester, NY 14608, at 11:00am with visitation held prior to the service from 9:00-10:45. Interment will follow his service in Mt. Albion Cemetery in Albion where he’ll be laid to rest next to his wife Betty. A repass will be held after the cemetery at the Albion Elks Lodge 428 West State St. Albion, NY 14411.

To share as special memory of Rev. Wilfred Moss, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.